[inforoots] GRiD and the IEEE 488 GPIB

['Computer Collector Newsletter']

Dick, I think you're going to be outvoted on this one.  :)

I think "portable" in the computer sense is what matters, not portable in
the dictionary sense.  And portable in the computer sense is (as you know)
"carryable as with a suitcase" ... Say, how much did a 610 weigh in pounds?
If the answer is "almost as much as its user" then it ain't portable.

"Relatively easily movable," perhaps.  But so is a Volkswagen. 

-----Original Message-----
From: inforoots-bounces at computerhistory.org
[mailto:inforoots-bounces at computerhistory.org] On Behalf Of
rweaver at ix.netcom.com
Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2006 7:42 PM
To: Open Discussion about the history of the Information Age
Subject: Re: [inforoots] GRiD and the IEEE 488 GPIB

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>=======================================
>No no no !!  The IBM 610 cannot be classed as portable.  If we allow 
>wheels then we open up all sorts of cans.  The Marconi Myriad (worlds 
>first production third generation computer) could then be classed as 
>portable - it was taken around South Africa on a trolley sort of device !!!


Sigh.  The question is not "Wheels".  The IBM 650, an earlier computer, also
had wheels (on each of its three components) -- it was not a portable
computer.

The IBM 610 was designed to be portable - to be easily moved about by its
users, from office to office, for individuals use as required.  It was not
"carry by one hand" portable.  It was not "take home on bicycle" portable.
It was not a-lot-of-other-qualifications portable.

But "portable" -- without qualifications -- it was.

dick w

  
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